Careers in Allied Health Won’t Land In Your Lap: How To Make It Happen

April 14, 2015


Careers in Allied Health Won’t Land In Your Lap



Audilo Luci / Flickr / CC BY




Even for the most qualified applicants, the job market is tough today. When you start looking for healthcare jobs, specifically those in allied health, your professional education or allied health training is important but won’t count for everything. Careers in healthcare are competitive and you’ll need to demonstrate clear reasons why you should be chosen over other applicants.

You need to start by figuring out why an allied health career is right for you before deciding exactly which healthcare jobs you want to aim for in the future. To help you on your way we've highlighted five areas you need to work on to improve your chances of landing a good job.

#1 Hold your own in conversations with health professionals


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Your medical education certainly puts you in the position to demonstrate your knowledge of various healthcare issues, but once your studies are over, medical trends don't stop evolving. You need to stay on top of what's happening in healthcare today. Job-seekers looking for careers in allied health and those who employ them aren't working in isolation.

For example, do you know who the movers and shakers are in healthcare today? Do you understand how politics affects health professionals? You can guarantee the person sitting across the interview desk has their own opinions, and so should you. There are lots of ways to stay on top of these issues. One possibility is to sign up for the weekly e-newsletter from Modern Healthcare.

While you’re still a student, you can also join the American Medical Association for only $20 per year. Being part of this network means you can connect with others who aspire to work in allied health as well as those who already do.

#2 Be able to name drop in interviews


When we say name drop, we don’t mean the name of the celebrity you saw on the street. We mean the names of those who work in allied health careers already, or those who affect the direction of healthcare in general. Networking is important in any career, but in healthcare it's essential.

You can also approach professionals who already have careers in allied health and ask them questions like how they landed their first job, what their responsibilities are, or what they like or dislike most about their jobs. Your medical education is a vital foundation to getting your foot in the door, but hearing first hand from those who already made it is invaluable.

The more qualified professionals you speak to over the phone, on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, or in person, the more you can give specific examples of people who informed the decision you made to apply for certain jobs. You’ll also then know how to match your skill set to specific jobs.

#3 Build your resume with an allied health career in mind


When you're in the middle of completing your healthcare education, trying to keep up with healthcare news, networking, and considering all of your career options, it’s easy to forget how important a resume can be. It's one of the biggest factors in getting your foot in the door, so devote enough time and effort to create a great resume.

Be sure to format your resume correctly and include only the information an employer needs to see. And don't be afraid to tailor your resume to each specific job or employer. Using your initiative, applying yourself to a set goal, and being methodical in your work is important. Consider all of the knowledge you've picked up along the way that impacted your decisions.

#4 Show the guts and determination needed in healthcare


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Finding your dream job in healthcare can take a long time. Understanding the process will work in your favor when you apply to work with those who have already been there, and done that. You’re qualified, you’re up to date on the industry, you’ve made a few contacts, and your resume reflects well on your hard work. Now, you need practical and relevant experience to build on your foundation.

Any subscriptions you take up, associations you join, and contacts you make are there to help you find opportunities that lead to job opportunities. Internships, support positions, and per diem work can serve as a springboard to more senior roles. Shadowing health professionals or volunteering your time in return for hands-on experience can also open doors.

#5 Find a mentor who knows about your allied health profession


The steps you take in your job search may eventually help you land your dream job, but it doesn’t always happen this way. Sometimes you find yourself floundering and losing your way. It may be that your goals have become unclear or that you know exactly what you want but there's a hurdle in your way.

At this point, it can help to find a mentor. This is an experienced professional who has worked in allied health for a long time. A mentor can offer advice and guidance, and they can help you overcome obstacles that may be sidetracking your career. Having the support and assistance of someone who has direct knowledge of what it takes to be successful in your particular field is extremely beneficial.

Here are a few more tips to help in your job search:


  • Participate in online forums and network as much as possible.

  • Let professional contacts know you’re looking for a job.

  • Update your LinkedIn profile to show you’re available.

  • Search job sites specific to allied health or healthcare.

  • Sign up for email alerts for new vacancies.

  • Upload your resume to job sites so recruiters can find you.


The complete journey to finding your first real job in allied health may sound overwhelming, but confidence grows with knowledge and experience.

What is the very first step you will take, right now, on your path towards a career in allied health?